How do you break the news of a friend’s demise to someone who is on the sickbed?
This is a lesson in emotional intelligence.
Simple!
Don’t break it!
If you don’t want to increase the number of casualties, please don’t.
Never bow to pressure from the sick person because they will just keep asking about the other person, may have telltale signs, and may even read through your inactions.
What do you do?
1. Meet the sick person in high spirits. Let your countenance be light and lively.
2. Deflect your discussion away from the matter, discuss their favorite shows, trends, or something to lighten their mood
3. Focus them on their health by staying the discussion on what the doctors, nurses, and health professionals are saying about them, what tests, meds are to be taken etc.
Serving in a health nonprofit, we are sometimes faced with this dilemma. You want to do all it takes to shield the sick person from emotional hurts and trauma. Save a life. Learn this lesson in emotional intelligence.
#YeahMomentsWithYO